What Are Dental Crowns And Tooth Bridges?

Dental crowns and tooth bridges are essential tools in dentistry for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Let’s break down what they are and how they help:

👩🏻‍⚕️ Dental Crowns:

Think of dental crowns as protective caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth. They’re custom-made to fit over the entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used to repair teeth with large cavities, fractures, or extensive decay, or after root canal treatment.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Tooth Bridges:

On the other hand, tooth bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of two main parts: pontics (artificial teeth) and abutments (crowns). The pontics fill the gap left by missing teeth, while the abutments are attached to the neighboring teeth on either side of the gap, anchoring the bridge in place.

👩🏻‍⚕️ What is the Bridge and Crown Procedure?

The bridge and crown procedure typically involves several steps:

🦷 Initial Consultation: Your dentist examines your teeth and discusses your treatment options. If crowns or bridges are recommended, they’ll explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

🦷 Tooth Preparation: For crowns, the damaged tooth is prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown. Impressions of your teeth are then taken to create custom-fitted crowns.
For bridges, the abutment teeth (neighboring teeth) are prepared by reshaping them to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge. Impressions are taken to fabricate the bridge and crowns.

🦷 Temporary Restorations: While your permanent crowns or bridges are being made in a dental lab, temporary restorations are placed to protect your teeth.

🦷 Fitting the Crowns and Bridges: Once your permanent crowns or bridges are ready, they’re fitted onto your teeth. Your dentist checks the fit, shape, and color to ensure they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

🦷 Final Placement: Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the crowns are permanently cemented onto your teeth. For bridges, the pontics are attached to the abutment crowns, and the entire bridge is cemented in place.

🦷 Follow-Up Appointment: Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing properly and address any concerns you may have.

👩🏻‍⚕️ How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?

Crowns and bridges are durable dental restorations designed to last for many years with proper care. On average, they can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more. However, their lifespan depends on various factors, including your oral hygiene habits, diet, and the material used for the crowns or bridges.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Is Crown and Bridge Painful?

The crown and bridge procedure itself should not be painful, as your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before any work is done. You may feel some pressure or discomfort during tooth preparation, but it should not be painful. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort, but this usually resolves within a few days.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Advantages and Disadvantages of Bridge Crowns

Advantages:

🦷 Restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth
🦷 Strengthen weakened teeth
🦷 Prevent further decay or damage
🦷 Improve bite and chewing ability
🦷 Enhance confidence and self-esteem by restoring your smile

Disadvantages:

🦷 Requires removing some enamel from the natural tooth for crown placement
🦷 May increase the risk of tooth sensitivity or nerve damage
🦷 Requires good oral hygiene to prevent decay or gum disease around the crowns or bridges
🦷 Can be costly, especially for multiple teeth or complex cases

In conclusion, dental crowns and tooth bridges are valuable tools in modern dentistry for restoring and replacing damaged or missing teeth. If you’re considering crowns or bridges, consult with our dentist Dr. Smruti Nanda at Elite Dental Clinic Bhubaneswar, to determine the best treatment option for your dental needs and enjoy a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.